Miami Heat Team Report – March 7

=== Miami Heat Team Report – March 7 ===

(Sports Network) – The eyes of the NBA will be on South Florida tonight, when
Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat host Allen Iverson, Chris
Webber and the Philadelphia 76ers at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Miami has won five straight, 12 of 14 and 15 of its last 18 contests,
including a 102-82 victory over Cleveland on Sunday night. O’Neal celebrated
his 33rd birthday with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds to help the
Heat to the win. O’Neal has blocked a shot in 19 straight games.

Miami hit 44.6 percent from the field, including 7-of-19 (.368) from three-
point range. The Heat managed only 13-of-20 (.650) from the free throw line.

The Heat have won all three meetings against the Cavs so far this season.
Miami has won six of eight overall against Cleveland.

Miami is comfortably ahead in the East, owning a 7 1/2-game lead on second
place Detroit. The Heat are dominating the Southeast Division, 10 1/2 contests
in front of Washington.

The teams have split a pair of meetings this season with the home team winning
both games. Miami registered a 93-83 victory over the Sixers at American
Airlines Arena on Nov. 21. Philly has won eight of 10, 11 of 14 and 15 of the
last 19 meetings, including six of its last nine at Miami.

Miami has been impressive on the offensive end of the court this season,
registering 102.7 points per contest (4th-NBA). Meanwhile, the Heat are
limiting foes to 96 points per game (14th) for an Eastern Conference best
point differential (+6.2).

The Heat have been excellent from the field, hitting a league-best 48.6
percent from the field. Miami also limits foes to 43 percent (6th) from the
field.

Following tonight’s game, the Heat have two days off before hosting Minnesota
on Thursday. Miami will then finish its week against New Jersey at home on
Saturday.